Latina and Colombian Pride: From Immigrant to Navy Veteran, Pin-Up Ambassador, and Advocate for Military Psychology

Maria Jose Uscinowicz, a Navy veteran, advocate for military psychology, and Pin-Ups for Vets ambassador, embodies Latina pride, resilience, and empowerment, inspiring veterans and women through service, education, and advocacy.

Nearly two decades ago, Gina Elise launched Pin-Ups for Vets with a clear and powerful mission: to lift the spirits of deployed service members, raise funds for hospitalized veterans, and remind female veterans of their strength, beauty, and value. Through vintage pin-up calendars, hospital visits, and community outreach, the nonprofit has raised significant funds for veterans’ healthcare while helping women who once served in uniform embrace their power and pride with renewed confidence.

Today, that mission remains as impactful as ever — and one of its ambassadors, Miss July, stands as a shining example of resilience and transformation.

From Colombia to the U.S. Navy

At just 17 years old, Maria Jose Uscinowicz arrived in the United States from Colombia, facing the challenge of learning English and building a new life. Undeterred, she mastered the language and earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Queens College in New York City.

Maria’s commitment to service soon led her to enlist in the U.S. Navy as a Hospital Corpsman. Over the course of her six-year military career, she provided compassionate care in labor and delivery units, mental health facilities, and other medical support roles. Maria also served aboard the USNS Comfort, participating in COMFEX exercises and specialized training. Her dedication was recognized with awards such as the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, among others.

Education and Empowerment

Maria’s passion for growth didn’t stop with her military service. With the help of Navy Tuition Assistance, she earned a Master’s degree in Military Psychology, graduating with honors while balancing the demands of active duty.

She is now pursuing a second Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, aiming for licensure in Virginia. This step brings her closer to her long-term goal of guiding veterans and their families through their mental health journeys.

In addition to her professional success, Maria is a proud wife and mother of two children, balancing her family life with her service and advocacy.

Pin-Up Ambassador: Celebrating Service and Feminine Strength

For Maria, pin-up modeling is about much more than glamour. It’s a celebration of empowerment. It’s about showing younger generations of Latinas, immigrants, and veterans that strength and beauty aren’t mutually exclusive — they go hand-in-hand.

A Story of Pride and Purpose

Maria’s story — from arriving in the U.S. as a teenager without English, to earning a degree in psychology, to becoming a Navy veteran, to completing a master’s while serving, and now pursuing another degree, all while being a devoted wife and mother — is a true reflection of the American dream. It’s a story of Latina and Colombian pride, resilience, and personal transformation.

Through her service and advocacy, Maria continues the mission of Pin-Ups for Vets, helping to honor veterans, empower women, and remind us all that real beauty is about the courage to keep moving forward and the pride of where we come from.

How You Can Support the Mission

Support Pin-Ups for Vets by purchasing the 2026 calendar featuring Maria and other inspiring ambassadors. All proceeds directly fund veteran healthcare initiatives, morale-boosting programs, and outreach projects that uplift women veterans.

 Visit www.pinupsforvets.com to order your calendar and contribute to this meaningful cause.